Spaniel Dogs
  • Home
  • Dog Boarding
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Training
  • Explore
    • Differencio
    • Want to Know
No Result
View All Result
Spaniel Dogs
No Result
View All Result
Home Dog Boarding

Why is my Cocker Spaniel Suddenly Scared of Noises?

by Biswaindu
September 15, 2021
in Dog Boarding
0
dog noise phobia
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Dog Noise Phobia

scared dogs

Many dogs are afraid of thunder and other loud noises. Our dog Beckett was very afraid of thunder (it was almost funny watching him try to crawl under the bed!). Sunshine, on the other hand, wasn’t all that bothered by it, but was afraid of gunshots and fireworks.

Of our two cats, one is afraid of practically everything and everyone, while the other is just the opposite.

Acclimate Young Animals

Sometimes, a negative experience during their formative weeks can cause a lifelong fear.

The best remedy is prevention, so if you have a young puppy, try to avoid situations that would expose her to loud or sudden noises, such as fireworks at the park.

A noise phobia isn’t always a big problem, but it only takes one moment of panic to cause injury or escape. Some extremely phobic dogs have been known to go through plate glass windows, and fear-induced adrenaline surges can allow them to jump fences they would never even attempt normally.

Unlearning the Fear

Phobias can be unlearned by counter-conditioning. This takes time and patience, but can make a big difference in your dog’s life.

For a number of nervous animals, any loud noise can be a trigger. If you have a dog that is often frightened by sounds or other stimuli, you may want to try this method.

If possible, make or buy a recording of the sounds your pet is afraid of. If it is a fear of certain objects, you can just use the object. If the fear involves people then you will need to enlist volunteers to help you.

The first step is to confirm that the recording will produce a fear response, and to determine the lowest volume level at which this occurs. Turn the recording on with no sound and very gradually increase the volume until you see a response in your dog. Note the level and immediately turn off the recording.

Once the dog has relaxed again, the desensitization can begin.

Allow at least thirty minutes for each session.

Go Slow and Be Patient

Begin by playing the recording at a level below that which caused the fear response. Leave it at this level for five minutes or more and then increase the volume slightly.

At this point, start rewarding your dog for remaining calm. Use extremely tasty treats, petting, praise – whatever will be a great reward for your pet. If he is showing anxiety, turn the volume back down.

After five minutes or more of this, increase the volume again. Always increase in very small increments; you are trying to avoid a fear response, not provoke one.

At some point the dog will start to show some anxiety. If you have been playing the recording at increasing volume levels for thirty minutes or more, shut it off and begin another day at just below the last level.

When you reach the point that elicits mild anxiety, withhold treats and praise and wait for the dog to get calm again. Once he is calm, resume feeding treats and continue to increase the volume.

Once the dog is calm with the volume at what would be the actual noise level, repeat the stimulus in different rooms and different conditions.

In addition to counter-conditioning, certain types of touch therapy may also help. These methods may even be faster.

One method is acupuncture. Another is acupressure, and this you can do yourself. There are a number of books available that give instruction in this ancient Chinese therapy. One that is recommended is The Well-Connected Dog.

Tellington TTouch can also be used. Getting in TTouch with Your Dog  addresses the issue of fear.

Herbs and flower essences may also be of help. There are a number of calming remedies on the market, one that works on some dogs is Animals’ Apawthecary’s Tranquility Blend. Melatonin is said to have a calming effect, but must be used before the panic sets in.

Some other herbs that may help are Chamomile, Passionflower, Valerian or Catnip. Different animals will react differently to each, so you may have to test more than one.

The Bach Flower Rescue Remedy is often useful in cases of anxiety and fear. Administer one to four drops directly onto the animals tongue if possible, every few minutes until the fear subsides.

You can also put four drops of the remedy in an ounce of water in a small spray bottle and spray the animals bedding or near the animal. Placing the drops on a cat’s paw is a good way to administer them to felines.

Don’t Encourage Fear Response

One thing you do not want to do is overreact to an animals fear. If you coddle the animal, paying extra attention to her and so on, you end up rewarding the behavior.

This can have the effect of increasing the reaction, rather than decreasing. Instead, just talk calmly to the animal, and pet gently, praising and rewarding as the animal becomes calmer.

You may also like to read: What Should You Name Your Dog?, Small Dog Breeds – Is A Small Dog Right For You ?

 

dogs lost and found
Subscribe To Newsletter

If you are a dog lover then, Subscribe to our weekly newsletters. No Spams!

Enter your email address
ShareTweetPin2
Biswaindu

Biswaindu

Biswaindu is a freelance writer and loves to write on topics related to Health, Wellness, and Spirituality. He is a graduate in Electrical Engineering and writes well about Technical Product Reviews too.

Related Posts

Bringing a Puppy Home in a Car without Crate

Bringing a Puppy Home in a Car without Crate

December 13, 2022

Bringing a puppy home for the first time is hands down the best magic anyone can ever witness. I still...

7 Questions То Consider Before Getting A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

7 Questions to Consider Before Getting A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

November 22, 2022

The thought of having a pet dog directly leads us to our likes in breeds. Finding a dog breed that...

Are Sound Activated Barking Dog Alarms Effective?

Are Sound Activated Barking Dog Alarms Effective?

November 1, 2022

Yes, sound activated barking dog alarms do work. When triggered they produce a booming sound effect just like a dog’s...

Turn Your Dog into Genius

Genius Dog 300 x 600 - Animated

Popular Posts

  • Dogs Anal Gland Removal- Pros and Cons

    Dogs Anal Gland Removal- Pros and Cons

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Blue Roan Cocker Spaniels – Five Facts to Know Before you Pet them

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How do you tell if your Dog has a Tick or Scab?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • When will my Cocker Spaniel Lose his Puppy Coat?

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What is a Cockador?- All that you want to know

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Posts

Can I give my Dog a Lower Dose of Heartgard?
Dog Feeding

Can I give my Dog a Lower Dose of Heartgard?

January 29, 2023

Heartworm prevention and treatment has always been a hot topic amongst pet parents all over the world. With the overwhelming...

Read more
Can you Sue for a Minor Dog Bite?

Can you Sue for a Minor Dog Bite?

January 27, 2023
Can my Dog Jump on the Couch after Heartworm Treatment?

Can my Dog Jump on the Couch after Heartworm Treatment?

January 26, 2023
Best Bee Pollen for Dogs with Allergies

Best Bee Pollen for Dogs with Allergies

January 20, 2023
Best Knuckle Bones for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Best Knuckle Bones for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

January 15, 2023

Categories

  • Dog Boarding
  • Dog Feeding
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Supplies
  • Dog Training
  • Interesting Facts
  • Uncategorized
Spaniel Dogs

Copyright © 2022 Spaniel Dogs - All Rights Reserved.

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Read More

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Dog Boarding
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Training
  • Explore
    • Differencio
    • Want to Know

Copyright © 2022 Spaniel Dogs - All Rights Reserved.

cocker spaniel appearance
SpanielDogs

Get Weekly Newsletter!


If you are a Dog Lover, then subscribe to our weekly newsletters. No Spam!

Enter your email address